Wholesale Chrysanthemum

01.
A Bit of Botany

a little botanical information on chrysanthemum

description
Chrysanthemum morifolium is a flowering perennial plant from the Asteraceae family. This is a Fall-blooming plant with clusters of flowerheads that bloom over a long period and are available in many colors, including red, orange, yellow, white, and lavender.

They have alternately arranged leaves divided into leaflets with toothed or occasionally smooth edges. The compound inflorescence is an array of several flower heads, or sometimes a solitary head. The head has a base covered in layers of phyllaries. The simple rows of ray florets are white, yellow or red; many horticultural specimens have been bred to bear many rows of ray florets in a great variety of colors. The disc florets of wild taxa are yellow. The fruit is a ribbed achene.

common names & nomenclature
The name "chrysanthemum" is derived from the Greek words chrysos (gold) and anthemon (flower).

Also known as:
ju hua, chrysanthemum flowers, mum, hardy garden mum, florist mum, garden mum

02.
Where in the World

habitat and range for chrysanthemum

Chrysanthemums are native to Asia and northeastern Europe. Most species originate from East Asia, though the plant can be seen in many gardens in Eastern North America. In China, where the plant is called Ju Hua, chrysanthemum has been grown and cultivated for thousands of years for tea making. Chrysanthemum, together with bamboo, the plum blossom, and the orchid, collectively comprise The Four Gentlemen or The Four Noble Ones. The plant is so highly revered in China that it has been celebrated with an annual festival since the Song Dynasty, which spanned from 960 until 1279 AD.

Chrysanthemums prefer 5-6 hours of full sun, though they prefer to grow in cooler weather than other bright blooms. They flourish in more dry soil since they are susceptible to diseases caused by damp areas or weather. This is why the cooler, dryer parts of Eastern North America and Asia are apt to grow beautiful, colorful chrysanthemums.

03.
Cultivation & Harvesting

considerations for growing and harvesting chrysanthemum

climate
Chrysanthemums can take light shade, although they grow best in full sun.

soil
Chrysanthemums need fertile soil that drains well.

growing
Mums grow best by cuttings or division. Take cuttings in early spring and root in fertile soil with sand on the surface, at 61°F. Place in a cold frame with ventilation and harden off in mid-spring. Can grow on in a greenhouse also until large enough to plant outside. Divide after flowering and plant divisions directly in garden.

harvesting
Harvest chrysanthemum flowers anytime during the blooming period. Dry thoroughly on screens or by hanging stems upside down.

preserving
Store whole dried flower heads (remove stems) in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

04.
The Rest of the Story

chrysanthemum history, folklore, literature & more